The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday it is changing the U.S. childhood immunization schedule, effective immediately, removing universal recommendations for several routine shots.
Universal recommendations scaled back
Under the new framework, vaccines are divided into three categories: those recommended for all children, those for certain high-risk groups, and those based on shared clinical decision-making between parents and health care providers. Vaccines no longer universally recommended include COVID-19, flu, RSV, hepatitis, and meningococcal shots.
No vaccines recommended before 2 months for most children
For children not considered high risk, the updated schedule recommends no vaccines before the age of two months. The CDC says the changes are intended to more closely align U.S. practices with those of other developed countries.
Federal directive and insurance impact
The shift follows a directive from President Donald Trump instructing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to review international vaccine schedules. HHS officials said the change will not affect insurance coverage for vaccines.
Medical community raises concerns
Doctors and public health experts criticized the decision, saying it lacked sufficient public debate and expert input. Pediatric groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, said they were not consulted and warned the move could undermine trust in public health guidance.
Political reaction mixed
Some lawmakers expressed alarm over the changes, while others emphasized that the CDC schedule is a recommendation, not a mandate, leaving vaccine decisions ultimately up to families.
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